Frustrated Market Rasen and Louth fall to Northampton fightback

Ben Chamberlin went close to extending Market Rasen's lead before Old Northamptonians took control EMN-161010-182309002

Published:08:25Tuesday 11 October 2016

Share this article

Market Rasen and Louth RFC endured a frustrating afternoon as they let an early lead slip against Old Northamptonians on Saturday.

There was much to commend in the performance against a good side, but Rasen lacked the staying power to compete in the final quarter.

Tom Stephens gave Rasen the perfect start EMN-161010-182323002

Rasen began with purpose against sluggish opponents who seemed to struggle to get the long journey out of their system.

Fly-half Dan Robinson’s astute chip and gather unlocked the visitors’ defence in the second minute before quick hands from centre Adam Goodwin put Tom Stephens away on the wing to open the scoring. Meehal Grint added the conversion.

Continued Rasen pressure paved the way for Grint to add a penalty six minutes later.

The dream start continued as ONs made uncharacteristic handling errors with their limited possession, and another Rasen penalty from Robinson, taking over kicking duties from the injured Grint, made it 13-0.

After soaking up the early onslaught, ONs put together a series of phases which pushed the hosts towards their own line. The visitors played through two advantages before fly-half Lewis Barker darted through a gap to put them on the scoreboard.

Full-back Charlie Cox added the conversion as the balance of play swung.

It was Rasen’s turn to fight a rearguard action and ONs were thwarted with a clear overlap when Rasen’s Simon Cooper slapped the ball down in an attempted interception, earning the winger a yellow card.

Northampton continued to build momentum from a lineout which was taken blind for scrum-half Harry Sanderson to snipe over the line and reduce the arrears to 13-12.

Half-time had come at the right time for Rasen, allowing them to draw the sting out of the mounting pressure.

And the hosts made an enterprising start as they threatened the visitors line. Playing an advantage, Robinson’s perfectly weighted cross-field kick was grounded by Cooper, but the referee ruled Rasen had not gained any advantage and awarded a penalty.

The stunned Red and Greens continued to press, forcing two scrum penalties, but no yellow cards.